I started over a couple times on this one. It is interesting – I can do a few portraits that turn out very good. I’m pleased with my progress and feel I’ve got it figured out – then I struggle with the next one. I only occasionally do a pencil portrait so I’m sure that is one of the reasons I struggle.
My Granddaughter, Shelby. Becoming a beautiful young lady.
I did this portrait of my youngest son a few years ago – he was still a teen at the time. He wanted a James Bond look. He was and still is a tailored suit and cuff link kind of guy.
Just finished a painting of my somber grandson. He loves to hike so that was his choice for the portrait.
This is a painting of my granddaughter Becca. Her mother requested I do a painting that showed off her big blue eyes but when we looked through the many photos I had taken at Uncle Gary’s pond and gardens the photo of her looking into the water was our favorite.
Here is another painting of a grandchild – My grandkids are willing subjects to allow me to practice portrait painting. I paint from photos not life otherwise I’m sure they wouldn’t be so willing.
Another white haired grandchild – cousin to Phoebe. This is my ongoing project of doing a birthday portrait for each of my many grandchildren.
Another birthday portrait – My sober grandson George.
A Birthday portrait for a special Granddaughter
Each of my grandchildren get a pencil portrait for their birthday each year – this is my latest
A butterfly landed on Sammy during our photo shoot and stayed long enough for several photos. Sammy was so thrilled – she requested I paint her with the butterfly.
Here is a piece to appeal to the Christian Market.
I recently finished illustrating this well written,
gentle story to help parents teach their children personal safety –
I highly recommend it.
This project was a bit different than my usual – I enjoyed the work – Logo text, tail, and background. I also enjoyed working with the author/publisher S. R. Atkinson.
I just signed a contract with Covenant Communications to illustrate a board book. It will be a counting book called Ten Little Angels.
I have written a story, which I will send to publishers. I hope Mia finds her way into the heart of an editor some day soon. 
Sometimes, to improve my drawing skills, I sketch faces or figures in action from photos. But most of the time I draw random things on any paper nearby.
Practicing a few different approaches as I work at developing my style.
I just finished another painting. This one captures a favorite memory in the lives of my grandchildren. They spent many hours playing on our 30 foot rope swing and play set. They are all sad that we left it behind when we moved to a new house.
I recently finished this oil painting of my oldest grandson – Allen.
Will Terry’s work has inspired me so I purchased some of his training videos. I have learned some great things about color, design and digital painting.
This is a fun little story written by Sara Staker. I’m looking forward to doing a companion book for little boys.
It has been great working with Nicholeen Peck and I wish her success in her Parenting training.
Decided to send a simple postcard this time
This is the center of a tri-fold mailer to show off my work to publishers in hopes of getting work.
I finished the illustrations for Porter Earns a Quarter. The book will be printed and ready for shipping the middle of November but Nicholeen is offering a pre-sale price on her website.
http://teachingselfgovernment.com/catalog/products/porter-earns-quarter-pre-sale
I attended a marvelous workshop with host Greg Spalenka. Greg’s Artist As Brand workshop and workbook help artists align their heart, art and prosperity. The best part of the workshop was Greg’s one-on-one mentoring to help each artist discover and articulate our own “Heart Virtue” or Core Virtue. An artist’s Core Virtue combined with his/her talent makes up the foundation of the artists brand and is the launching point for building a more meaningful and successful life and career.
My Heart Virtue.
Today is a happy jump on the bed kind of day. I now have my portfolio website up and running. At an age when most Americans are counting down the months to retirement I am launching my career as an illustrator. After one more semester at SUU I will graduate, having spent three and a half years studying illustration learning some great stuff. Being an illustrator has been a life long desire but I wanted to raise a family while I was young enough to keep up with kids. So I stuck with part time freelance graphic design work while the kids were young. I figured I could paint pictures as a grandma. And indeed that is what I’m doing, both traditional oil painting and digital painting and having a great time. I am currently working on illustrations for Nicholeen Peck’s second picture book Porter Earns a Quarter, which will be published in November. I am grateful to all the artists and others who have inspired and directed me.